New Delhi, 15 July (ANI): Political leaders have reacted strongly after Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcast (Independent Charge) Manish Tiwari downplayed the intrusion of two People's Liberation Army (PLA) choppers into Indian airspace on July 11.

According to reports, two PLA choppers violated Indian airspace in the Chumar sector of Ladakh around 0800 hours, on July 11, and returned after flying for some time. This incident comes only days after Chinese troops were reported to have intruded into Indian territory and taken away an Indian surveillance camera.

" There is an inherent danger in trying to sensationalise, in attempting to graze temperatures, where none is required and nothing is called for. If, at all, there has been any intrusion, the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of External Affairs would appropriately deal with it", said Tiwari while addressing the media.

Tiwari's response has quickly triggered strong reactions from the opposition.

"When the government loses its respect and trust, then foreign countries start to give a stare down-including those from whom such behaviour is not expected. Following our weak response to the recent incursions, now we must strongly discuss the issue and strongly resolve it," said Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vice President, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi.

The Janata Dal (United), also, called for a strong response to the repeated incidents of intrusions by the Indian government.

"It is worrisome that such incidents are now happening regularly and India's diplomatic and defensive preparations are being portrayed as weak. The Indian government must seriously look into these incidents and after taking all political parties into confidence and diplomatically handle the situation," said Ali Anwar.

These intrusions have not been stand-alone cases, as the border tension between the two countries has been continuous for several years, over a land mass of about 4,000 km. Earlier in April, this year, a Chinese platoon had set up a camp about 19km into Indian territory and had refused to budge for three weeks, before they finally agreed to withdraw troops from the area.

This incident has happened soon after India's Defence Minister, A.K. Antony, met with Chinese Premiere Li Keqiang, when the two sides discussed measures to enhance peace along the Line of Actual Control. (ANI)